Super excited to see that Martiusheva and Rogonov got a second Grand Prix! I hope they are able to skate well so that they'll continue to get more international competitive experience. When they skate well, they are gorgeous and really interesting to watch. For me, they stand out a mile above the other skaters in their style and on-ice presence. They just need that confidence that comes from consistently executing their elements in competition.

Speaking of Mervin Tran, he is now 22 as of September 22. Since Japan does not permit dual citizenship, wouldn't he be expected to renounce his Canadian citizenship and apply for Japanese citizenship?

The way I see it, one of the following would need to happen:

-Tran renounces his Canadian citizenship, applies for Japanese citizenship if possible, and competes for Japan.
-Takahashi applies for Canadian citizenship, loses her Japanese citizenship, and competes for Canada.
-They remain as is, and are never able to compete at the Olympics.
-Japan changes it's rules, looks the other way, or makes an exception.

I was just wondering how did Scimeca and Knerim get chosen to compete? Seems so random with tonnes of teams out there why would skaters who I think are in their first year together with no pedigree - 7th and 10th at nationals get selected. Maybe I haven't kept up; because I don't think they would have a huge fan base or have shown that much promise compared to other Russian, American, Canadian or Chinese teams in particular. I am sure they are awesome people but just wondering it just seems so "odd"

I was just wondering how did Scimeca and Knerim get chosen to compete? Seems so random with tonnes of teams out there why would skaters who I think are in their first year together with no pedigree - 7th and 10th at nationals get selected. Maybe I haven't kept up; because I don't think they would have a huge fan base or have shown that much promise compared to other Russian, American, Canadian or Chinese teams in particular. I am sure they are awesome people but just wondering it just seems so "odd"

I think all the pairs above them either 1.) have two events already 2.) broke up 3.) are not competing in the GP.

Consider the W/D they're replacing is another new team Yankowakas/ Reagan, it doesn't seem all that random.

Here's the Nationals list:

1. Denny/Coughlin - 2 events, 2 bronze
2. Marley/Brubaker - had 2 events, broke up.
3. Evora/Ladwig - Evora retired, Ladwig got two events with his new partner.
4. Donlan/Speroff - They only had one event.
5.) Castelli. Shnapir - the got two events
6.) Cain/Regan - Broke, then got two events w/ Yankowakas, only to W/K due to injury
7.) So Chris Knierm with his new partner seems like an logical choice.

Rooting for Marissa & Simon to make the podium!! This is a great opportunity for them; hope they can take advantage of it. A medal here would really help their momentum going into Nationals. Also looking forward to seeing Scimeca & Knierim for the first time.

The rest of the field--ehh. Bazarova & Larionov need a new coach, I think. Or a new choreographer, or dance instructor, or something. They are stagnating. They really have not improved at all since 2010. Something needs to change for them. As for MT-M/DM, I am not much of a fan. They are like the Canadian version of D/C. Solid athletically, but artistry is not really there, and I don't see much potential for improvement.

Speaking of Mervin Tran, he is now 22 as of September 22. Since Japan does not permit dual citizenship, wouldn't he be expected to renounce his Canadian citizenship and apply for Japanese citizenship?

The way I see it, one of the following would need to happen:

-Tran renounces his Canadian citizenship, applies for Japanese citizenship if possible, and competes for Japan.
-Takahashi applies for Canadian citizenship, loses her Japanese citizenship, and competes for Canada.
-They remain as is, and are never able to compete at the Olympics.
-Japan changes it's rules, looks the other way, or makes an exception.

Any other possibilities?

It is way, way, way too late for Tran to make it to Sochi. It is extremely difficult to obtain Japanese citizenship. Tran is a Canadian citizen of Southeast Asian (Vietnamese/Cambodian) descent with no ancestral ties to Japan, and he lives and trains in Canada. Japan requires a minimum of 5 years residence in Japan in order even to apply for citizenship. Members of the liberal party in Japan say they will champion Tran's request for an exception, but Japan has never permitted exceptions even for highly qualified people who have lived and worked in Japan for decades, so it seems it's not going to happen for Tran.